Darlings, now you need to get serious. I have combined these two age groups because depending on your life style and genetics, I have observed that skincare needs are much the same. Women with oily skin may find their skin does not change until they reach age 35 to 37. They can easily continue using the same regime they used in their20s. Sometimes in their 30s, most women start to notice the subtle signs of aging. This is the time to address them.

You can use a regime from one line or mix products from several lines. The key is consistency. Use an anti-oxidant product every day to combat environmental damage. You may want to luxe-up to something like Revaleskin. It’s laced with coffee berry extract which is a very potent anti-oxident. Another line that I really like is Environ from South Africa. Their Ionzyme range is blend of potent retinols, antioxidants, vitamins, botanicals, and light but rich moisturizers. This line is not inexpensive, but it is good value. It costs $300 for a three- to four-month supply. This line comes in graduated strengths and can be used by women age 30 and up.

Pro-X the new range by Olay can be an attractive option for affordable but effective anti-aging skin care. This new range of products is impressive and the result of serious research. The Olay scientists looked at how and why skin ages. They concluded that the key to good-looking skin is restoring the skin’s moisture barrier and increasing cell turnover. The Olay scientists discovered that when the outside surface of the skin or the stratum cornea is damaged the inside layers of cells are focused making repairs. This results in aged appearance, as the skin cells are distracted from making new fresh skin cells. When the skin is protected by the right ingredients the cells can function making new cells and restoring the skin. The Pro-X line has many products so you can design your own regime.

The science and ingredients are impressive and similar to what you would get in more expensive products and some unique innovations: Niacinamide, N-acetyl Glucosamine (NAG), peptides, caffeine, and Hexamidine. A few of us tried these products. We all like them and find them an excellent option.

Lierac Parishas a great range of anti-aging products. They are gentle but effective and offer an elegant range of options for the woman who really wants to step up her regime. Biotherm makes a wonderful range of skin care: Rides Repair and Reminerale Repair are fabulous effective anti-aging lines. They are light in texture. They offer streamlined regimes perfect for a busy woman. Biotherm’s Multi-recharge is full of ginseng and like a vacation for tired skin.

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift addresses the early sings of aging too. If you are looking for a serious product to battle crow’s feet and other furrows try Advanced Revitalift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair SPF Day and Advanced Revitalift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair. The products combine luxurious hydration with Pro-Retinol, Pro-Lastyl to stimulate elastin, and Vitoptine an Indian herb that helps increase collagen. This is an effective product and perfect if you a developing fine lines. Be sure to use good sun protection.

Do not tan. Use a self tanner. If you already have sun damage see a dermatologist for a prescription for retina-A or maybe even photofacials to correct the damage. There are various options and not all are pricey. But the sooner you address the damage, the better your results will be.

Remember to use antioxidants in the daytime and maybe at night too, but to keep AHA’s and Salicylic for the night time. Serums are concentrated anti-aging ingredients often a combination of anti-oxidants, botanicals, vitamins, and minerals. They are always applied first to clean skin. I quite like serums; they make my skin feel wonderful. Estee Lauder’s Night Repair is excellent value. It is full of anti-oxidants. Lancôme has just introduced a new serum called Geneifique. It is the result of 10 years of research. It works to boost proteins found in younger skin. It’s all very scientific and expensive. We haven’t tried it yet, but it sounds interesting. The original Cellex-C has also proven to be an effective serum over years. It is pricey, but the results are consistent. Women with dry skin may prefer La Roche-Posey Active C line. It also has high potency vitamin, but delivered in a silky base and is a good value.

This when you will want step up your skin care regime — or give it up. Darlings, do not give it up. If you don’t have a good dermatologist yet, get one. They can do wonderful things to make you look better. See our items on derms and what they can do for you. Also after 50, you want to be sure to get skin check regularly, to make sure you don’t have any dangerous moles or growths. If you have been a sun bunny and have lots sun damage, consider treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light. They can make a huge difference in your appearance. Also be sure to read the section above on serums.

If you haven’t already, you may want to add a program of peels from the dermatologist or an at-home skin care regime. AB Skincare is fabulous. It was invented by Dr. Craig Austin and is an easy-to-use regime of medical quality peels for your face, hands and feet. It so impressive that we have whole item on it.

You will probably notice that your skin is much drier now, even if it always been oily. Finding the right moisturizer and makeup can really help. Products that are full of hyaluronic acid will help bind water to your skin and make it look fresh and dewy. Bioelements Oxygen Cocktail and Clarins Hydra Quench Crème are two of the best we have found. Many women stop washing their face with water when it feels dry. They think it makes their skin drier. Water is essential for moist skin. Wash your face, exfoliate gently, use your products and never forget your sun block.

Older women are not being ignored by cosmetic companies. L’Oreal Paris has a whole range of exciting new products for menopausal skin called Age Perfect that we hope to review very soon. Chanel has created Lift Lumiere Firming and Smoothing foundation and Concealer. Estee Lauder, Neutrogena, Olay, and Lancôme all have wonderful products for women over 50.

Good skin care definitely gets harder as you get older, things crop up and you need to deal with them. But it gets easier too. You are more confident and you know how to take action.

Cosmetic procedures are not for everyone, but do not let crude and limited people make you feel foolish if you are considering trying one. Botox and fillers can make a woman look fresh and fabulous. Often no one will even notice, if it is done properly. Gone are the days of frozen faces and blown-out lips. If you want to try a tweak or two, get good doctor and go for it. The same is true for cosmetic surgery. For some women, it is a fabulous option. Research carefully and do what makes you happy. Read our items about doctors. But don’t let those who are threatened by beauty stop you. Do what is right for you and shine!

You definitely need to wear light weight makeup, but don’t be hooked into buying any and all products designed for older women. Some are no good. I have tried some anti-aging make-up that is just too heavy. Some of the creams for older women are heavy too. It’s not good; they just weigh you down. Try before you buy and don’t assume you need special old-lady stuff. Some special lines will be fabulous. Darlings, try to find what works for you. Stay lovely and in the game.